CAST OF "CHICAGO" IS LOUD AND CLEAR WITH DA-CAPPO

New Britain, CT – October 2009… When Central Connecticut State University's theater department decided to stage their production of Chicago, the musical set in prohibition era Chicago, they recognized the necessity of having top notch microphones for the cast. Without suitable microphones that could accommodate a wide range of performers, the dialog and songs would suffer immeasurably. Determined this would not happen on their watch, the University sought the expertise of a local sound services provider who ultimately outfitted the theater group with Micro Microphones from Da-Cappo—distributed throughout the Americas by Buena Park, CA-based Hosa Technology.

DNR Productions, a sound services rental house based in Woodbury, CT with a focus on theatrical and musical productions that also provides consultation and system design services, was contracted to assist Central Connecticut State University's theater department with their production sound requirements. Don Gamsjager, owner of DNR Productions, discussed the challenges of the project.

“As a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice,” notes Gamsjager, “Chicago has a large, varied cast. We needed miniature microphones that were not only durable, but provided the adjustment flexibility to accommodate both children and adults comfortably. Proper fit was considered critical because, without this, earset microphones become very distracting, which only hinders one's performance. We were very fortunate to have several prominent area organizations funding the endeavor, and one of their primary goals was to provide top-notch sound quality. We were given a sizeable budget to work with and were instructed to make the issue of microphones a high priority.”

After evaluating numerous miniature microphones from the leading equipment manufacturers, Gamsjager determined the Da-Cappo microphones offered the best sound quality, build quality, comfort, and overall value. He then purchased 25 Da-Cappo DA12 Earset Micro Microphones and 5 of Da-Cappo's unique DA11 (The â€˜Stick') microphones. Featuring a highly adjustable and comfortable over-the-ear design that enables one to change both the mic's boom length and earpiece size, the DA12 was the perfect choice since it could be easily fitted to both children and adults. Similarly, the DA11 can be bent to fit many theater applications such as hiding in wardrobe or even wigs. Together, these microphones proved to be the ideal choice.

The show, which ran for four days this past March at Central Connecticut State University's Welte Hall, had two weeks of intensive rehearsals prior to opening night. “These microphones were used extensively during this period,” notes Gamsjager, “and throughout the entire time, we didn't encounter a single issue with any of them. The build quality of the Da-Cappo mics is excellent, their sound quality and durability is exceptional, and unlike many similar products, the DA12 is comfortable for long periods of time.”

The Da-Cappo DA12 Earset Micro Microphone is available in two sensitivity levels: -35 dB and -45 dB. The -45 dB model is an excellent choice for those applications where extra headroom is required and was the model selected by Gamsjager. “Chicago has several live gunshots that occur during the show,” explained Gamsjager, “so the extra headroom available with the -45 dB version proved very handy. We still had to be careful to pull the volume fader back a bit, but not once did these mics distort with the high SPL levels of the shots.”

With Central Connecticut State University's production of Chicago now a recent memory, Gamsjager commented on the Da-Cappo microphones and their impact on the show. “With all these mics,” Gamsjager said, “we came right in on budget, everybody was miked appropriately, and the sound quality was superb throughout the show's duration. The University's theater staff was very pleased, as were the cast. Every sound criteria we needed to address on this show was met and the Da-Cappo microphones were the perfect choice. This recent purchase brings my company's Da-Cappo inventory up to 60 microphones. These mics are reliable, robust, and offer great functionality. For projects of this nature, Da-Cappo offers the best solution.”

For more information about Central Connecticut State University's theater program, visit them online at www.theatre.ccsu.edu. To learn more about DNR Productions, visit the company at www.dnrprod.com.

About Hosa Technology

Headquartered in Buena Park, CA, Hosa Technology, Inc. is the leading supplier of analog and digital connectivity solutions to the musical instrument and professional audio industries. Since the company's inception in 1984, Hosa Technology's consumer-driven inventory has expanded to include a full line of audio, video, and computer products. Enthusiasts and professionals alike rely upon Hosa Technology to deliver world-class performance and value both on the stage and in the studio. For more information about Hosa Technology, please visit www.hosatech.com.